The Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club (BHYC) in West Boothbay Harbor, ME is expanding its 2021 regatta to include four classic yacht divisions, which will sail under the Shipyard Cup Classics Challenge banner. The 47th running of the historic BHYC Regatta takes place the weekend of July 24 & 25, 2021.
The Shipyard Cup Classics Challenge was inspired by growing participation in classic yacht races in Maine and evolved out of The Shipyard Cup Regatta, which ran for over a decade and featured superyachts. The Shipyard Cup Regatta was a mainstay for both the sailing and local communities in Boothbay Harbor. The new Shipyard Cup Classics Challenge carries on that spirit and tradition while featuring classic yachts rather than superyachts.
© Alison Langley
The regatta will be part of the Classic Yacht Owners Association (CYOA) Challenge Series, comprising several prestigious regattas throughout the Northeast. The Shipyard Cup Classics Challenge will include several races throughout the weekend and, as with other CYOA Challenge Series, will feature divisions for Vintage, Classic, Modern Classic, and Spirit of Tradition.
The BHYC Regatta will offer races for PHRF, One-Design (J/80s), and cruising divisions, as well as races for the ever-popular Boothbay Harbor One Designs. Designed by Geerd Hendel and first launched in 1938, these 21-foot sloops have been a mainstay of the BHYC Regatta since its inception.
Enthusiasm for the event is already percolating with over a dozen classics signed up, including local favorites Marilee (pictured), a 1926 NY-40 and Gleam, the 1937 12 Metre. As word of the regatta spreads, it is expected additional classic yachts and PHRF racers from the area and the Northeast will join in.
For additional information on the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club Regatta and Shipyard Cup Classics Challenge, visit bhyc.net or look for details at regattaman.com. ■
